Movers!!!

They are here! They showed up at 8am this morning, which is always a good sign. We like to have hard workers be part of our team. There are 4 on the team- I think.... it seems I can only think of 3 faces. Hmmmm... but it is strange thinking that this is the last time that I'll hear German discussions taking place in my home. What's left of it anyway.

It is now going on 1pm, and they are wrapping up. They are loading the truck and will soon be done. The rest is to be left for Tuesday's happy packing day. The kitchen, office, bathroom, entertainment center, couch, and kids' room is all that's left. So, I guess that's just under half of it. Then that will be the last of our presence in Germany.

Our friends here are kindly helping to entertain the kids for the next several days, as their toys have already been packed, and Dustan and I have to touch up and clean the house. I'm sure my arms will be very sore this week. They're already starting to feel that way after I worked on scrubbing off glue from the windows (from Nathaniel independently posting his artwork there). There are LOTS of ceilings and wall space to wipe down and paint (that's a whole 'nother story), cupboards to scrub, mildew to make disappear from the bathroom and grout in the basement... windows to wash and floors to polish last as we head out the door on Wednesday.

We will be staying in the next town over, in Leimen, at the Hotel zum Baeren. Strangely, albeit winter and the middle of the week, most hotels are full for Tuesday and Wednesday night, and I just booked their last room available yesterday for next week. I thought that was odd. But no matter, at least we got a room.

We are all in that in-between stage of things-- where we're just wanting things to be done with and settled. But, we have to endure these long moments as part of the overall fun adventure of international moving.

We are not happy to have to say goodbye to our friends here, and I think Dustan was momentarily sad to be leaving his co-workers in a bind with his absence. He is finally feeling appreciated at work this week, with people realizing he'll be gone and his farewell luncheon (he even received a nice plaque and a funny little handmade card, lots of "missing you already" comments and such.

Well, back to work I must go and take advantage of the kids not being here. We look forward to seeing all our friends and family at home next week! Only 6 more days. Can you believe it?